Thunderstorms and fireworks can be daunting to a dog. Here are some great tips to help your dog cope through these difficult periods by Jupiter, Florida Dog Trainer, Carol Harris who is an ABCDT Certified Dog Trainer and an AKC Certified CGC Evaluator.

Fear of thunderstorms, fireworks and other loud noises is common in puppies and dogs. Because we can’t control these outside events, it is important to do as much as we can to control our dog’s indoor environment during the frightening events.

Prepare by having things ready to decrease his stress level. Products are available to relieve stress and fear. These include calming collars, sprays and atomizers containing DAP (dog appeasing pheromones); snug wraps such as the Thundershirt; hemp oil, also called CBD oil; anti-stress tablets, chewies; and various holistic anti-stress compounds These products are helpful to many dogs and are worth trying. Your vet may prescribe medication for severe stress and anxiety.

Play music or TV to cover the scary sounds. If you can, stay at home and speak to your dog in a comforting voice to reassure him. Stress is contagious, so be calm.

When the storm (or fireworks) starts, immediately give very special treats to your dog every time you hear the thunder/fireworks. Timing is critical – put the treat at the dog’s mouth the instant the noise starts. This is counter-conditioning the dog to believe that thunder and fireworks bring treats! The noise becomes less scary, more rewarding. The dog becomes less frightened and less stressed.

Sometimes you may not be able to catch your dog for treats before he runs to his favorite safe hiding place. Some frightened dogs go under a bed or chair, others go to their crate, or any place that seems safe. If your dog has a special “safe place” in your home, where he seeks shelter, allow him to go there.Forcing your dog to come out will increase his stress and fear. Instead, take his favorite toy, or a stuffed Kong type toy, or a bully stick to his shelter. He may be too stressed to enjoy it during the storm or fireworks but can have it when he feels better. If your dog doesn’t have a safe place, you can try creating one by covering his crate with a blanket to block lightening, fireworks, and thunder, and placing the crate in a dark, quiet spot that your dog likes. An alternative is to put your dog’s bed or mat in a dark quiet place, with his water, a favorite toy. Check on him often to comfort and reassure him.

Did you know that you can treat your dog to peanut butter? Yes, you can. You can stuff a kong toy with peanut butter and freeze it. Then when you leave the house, you can give them their kong or you can give it to them when they are in their crate to keep them busy.

A good way to trick your dog to take medication is to put the pill or capsule in a wad of peanut butter and give it to him or her. Works like a charm!

The health benefits of giving your dog peanut butter are amazing. “Not only is it a good source of protein, but it also contains heart healthy fats, vitamin B, niacin, and vitamin E. The best peanut butter to feed your dog is raw and unsalted.” http://dogsnaturally.com.

In my opinion, raw and unsalted is best. You can purchase that at Publix Supermarket and or Whole Foods Market. But don’t overdo it. Also, do not give a lot of peanut butter to your dog, as he or she can gain weight.

However, a word to the wise on peanut butter. Make sure the peanut butter you choose does not contain xylitol. Xylitol can be fatal to dogs. Reading the label before purchasing is a must!

On a side note, For information on National Peanut Butter Day and the History behind it, kindly visit the website below. Happy National Peanut Butter Day.

TGIF it is Friday! Guess what, today is National Popcorn Day! And did you know that your dog can have popcorn too! Yes, he or she can; however, make sure that there aren’t any popcorn kernels as they can damage their teeth or choke. (http://akc.org) So, when you either microwave or pop your popcorn on the stove, thoroughly sift through the popcorn and remove any kernels! And for dietary reasons, have it plain – no butter! Much healthier. [Read more…]

Just to follow up on the “Interview of Dudley Beagle in Jupiter, FL” blog on bulk foods. I was asked by a reader: “What are bulk foods?” Bulk foods mean that the food is high in fiber. Therefore, when a dog eats foods that have a lot of fiber, fiber expands in the belly so the dog fills up faster and the dog does not have to consume so much food. Hence, eating less over time, the dog will lose weight. Some examples of bulk foods that are high in fiber are green beans (canned or raw) and canned Pumpkin. We prefer organic because you get the full nutrients and they don’t contain pesticides.

I was asked by another reader: Does the high fiber/bulk foods apply only to Beagles? The answer is no! Any dog can eat green beans and pumpkin. However, the breeds that are prone to gain weight are Beagles, Labs, Jack Russells, Chihuahua, Dachshunds, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bassett Hounds, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boxer, and Bulldog. To read more go to The Top 10 breeds Most Likely to Gain Weight.

The Next Question is how much to give?

With green beans you add about ¼ can or more, and you can either microwave them about ten seconds in a ceramic bowl or you can give them fresh out of the can and add as a topper to their kibble. With pumpkin, you can give a tablespoon. They will love it!

Another benefit of pumpkin is, it is good for their digestion. If your dog has a slightly loose stool or diarrhea, pumpkin can bulk up their stool. Meaning, it will make the stool more formed. You can also give it as a treat to promote healthy digestion.

And, on a side note, if you want to make a treat for your dog, you can even mix pumpkin and goat’s milk yogurt and either scoop them in an ice tray or a bowl to freeze in the freezer and your dog would be so delighted to have a frozen doggy ice cream. Why not give it a try!

But I love my green beans and pumpkin as these are bulk foods and keep my tummy full so I don’t get fat!

Q What are my favorite treats?

A Love pumpkin, pineapple and carrots.

Q Tell us about your Thanksgiving.

A Well, pet sitter June stays over at my house and spoils me with lots of love, treats, long walks, and games. Love her!

Q What games does she play?

A One game she plays is hide the treat. She puts the treats in different places in both the backyard and in the house. When they are all placed, she says, “Dudley, go, on your hunt!” So, I put my nose to the ground and I find them. I always look forward to this game! It is so much fun hunting, having all those scents to look forward to. And yes, I get lots of treats too! Ha! Ha!

Q What are your favorite activities?

A You know I am a beagle, so I love to hunt, put my nose to the ground. But love to walk with my Dad everyday! We take lots of long walks; love them!

Q What would be your perfect day?

A That is easy, that it would be raining Beagles! Having lots of scents around so I could put my nose to the ground and find a prize!

Q Dudley, what is the lesson of this interview?

A. I am so grateful that my Dad takes me on long walks and feeds me well, so I stay healthy and lean. And yes, my Dad stays healthy too by those long walks on beautiful Tequesta Drive.